Description
Ever wondered how the Infinity Stones work, or how Iron Man’s arc reactor powers his suit? If your student has asked that out loud, this is their science class.
Physical Science: The Science of Superheroes is a live online physical science class for middle school that teaches real physics and chemistry through the lens of superhero movies. In the first semester, students design their own superhero, powers and backstory included, and trade trading cards of their creations with classmates.
In the second semester they present at a class science fair, with experiments and projects drawn from the science behind the films.
Melissa Grande runs it as a lab course rather than a lecture. Students learn to write detailed lab reports using The Student Lab Report Handbook by John Mays and keep a high-school-level science notebook all year. Most labs use common household items, and anything requiring more than that is demonstrated live in class or completed virtually, so no family gets sent shopping for equipment.
It is built for the student who has already decided science is not for them. It tends to change their mind, and the credit it earns is a real one.
Melissa Grande, True North’s STEAM Department Chair, holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Valley Forge and postgraduate work in Environmental Science.
“This class might have been my favorite this year! Ms. Grande was so kind and was so good at explaining concepts that was easy for us students to understand. She made science so much more enjoyable with all of the games and fun movies we got to watch! I HIGHLY recommend this class for all high school students!”
— Autumn Netherton
Class details
– Teacher: Melissa Grande
– Day and time: Mondays, 2:00 p.m. CST
– Term: full year, 2027-28 school year
– Grades: 8-10
– Credit: 1 science credit and 0.5 lab credit
– Prerequisites: a junior high level science course and a junior high level math course
– Required materials: The Student Lab Report Handbook by John Mays; a composition notebook for the lab journal (the teacher provides a digital notebook as well)
– Live, small-group class on Zoom
Enroll today, and let a Cognia-accredited school take care of the grading and the transcript.
Student –
“I really enjoyed this class and I learned a lot. I think my favorite thing in this class was all the different and fun ways we learned about things. I think it is a great option for new students because the teacher is extremely accommodating and helpful. This class taught me so much and I’m looking forward to my brother joining this class next year.”
Student –
“I liked the fun way that this class explored the world of physicle science. One of my favorite things to learn about was fission and fussion and the impact that it might have on future forms of consumable energy. I would definitly recomend this class to anyone who likes learning science from a diferent point of view and having fun in the prosses.”
Student –
“I really enjoyed how kind and helpful Mrs. Grande was. She was always willing to help and if you didn’t answer something correctly you wouldn’t be put down for it. Mrs. Grande is one of my favorite teachers and she encourages me to learn!”
Student –
“I really enjoyed the superhero project! It was fun. Mrs. Grande is also very nice!”
Student –
“I REALLY enjoyed this class! I loved learning about sounds waves this year. I thought that this class was an excellent start to my high school years, and that it was just super fun all around! I would absolutely recommend this class for other students!”
Student –
“I most enjoyed learning about magnets, and reactors. The class was a nice balance of interesting, fun, and informative. I would highly recommend this to other students who especially are Marvel fans.”
Student –
“I enjoyed the helicopter project it was really fun to me. My favorite thing was playing marvel jeopardy. yes, I definitely recommend others to join your class it was so much fun.”
Autumn Netherton –
This class might have been my favorite this year! Ms. Grande was so kind and was so good at explaining concepts that was easy for us students to understand. She made science so much more enjoyable with all of the games and fun movies we got to watch! I HIGHLY recommend this class for all high school students!
Cassandra F (verified owner) –
Melissa’s class is very innovative & fun. My son looks forward to learning a about phys science through the lens of his favorite movie series. My younger son is excited to take this class in 2 yrs.
Logan (verified owner) –
“My favorite thing about this class was the discussions. I loved talking about theoretical sciences with the teacher! – Logan
TNA Student (verified owner) –
“This class helped me with quick thinking! If Mrs Grande would ask me a question I would have to think fast and find the answer in my notes! – Anonymous
Addi (verified owner) –
“At the beginning of the year, I did not know how to write a lab report, but this class was helpful, and now I feel confident in my lab writing skills.” – Addi
Ross (verified owner) –
“Mrs. G always had me thinking. The labs were fun and went along with the lessons taught providing more knowledge on subject.” – Ross